The Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, also known as the "Spring Cocoon," would open to public in September, according to the center management.

Covering an area of 330,000 square meters and costing 2 billion yuan (US$309 million), the center will become a major venue for public fitness activities in Nanshan District. The center has a swimming pool, a gymnasium, 19 tennis courts, eight basketball courts, 14 badminton courts and two football pitches.

Other sports facilities would be built around the center.

While residents have been impressed with the Spring Cocoon, concern had been expressed about its use in the wake of the Games.

Lan Xiaojun, chief operating officer of CRC Shenzhen Bay Development Company, said a total of 20 large commercial events, including cultural performances, would be conducted at the stadium between September and December.

"On average, there will be an event each week and an increasing number of people are expected to visit the venue," said Lan.

Like the Bird's Nest in Bejing, the Shenzhen Bay stadium was built on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. Under an agreement with the city government, the company that built the venue would hold a 50-year operating franchise.

The city government would assume ownership of the stadium when the franchise expires.

"It is the first time in the country a company has been allowed to operate such a large venue, which includes a swimming pool and gymnasium," said Lan.

Apart from the sport facilities, the rest of the space, which totals 25,000 square meters, would be leased for a variety of businesses, according to Zheng Ruiqi, chief project director for the company.

In addition to sport, the venue could be used for music festivals and expositions, Zheng said.